Four individuals with affiliations to York University have been recognized by the Royal Society of Canada (RSC) for their outstanding contributions to equity, social justice and Indigenous engagement.
Among the 2025 RSC award recipients is Osgoode Hall Law School graduate Sahar Fatima (JD ‘25) who received the Justice Rosalie Silberman Abella Prize. This prestigious award is presented annually to one graduating student from each Canadian law school who is most likely to influence equity and social justice in Canada or globally.
Fatima co-founded the Immigration and Refugee Law Society at Osgoode and worked at the Barbra Schlifer Commemorative Clinic, supporting survivors of intimate partner violence. She is currently articling at an immigration law firm and will soon begin a clerkship at the Federal Court.
Also a recipient of the Justice Rosalie Silberman Abella Prize is Ana Speranza (BA ‘18, MA ‘21), who earned an Aboriginal and Indigenous Law Specialization Certificate from Dalhousie University. Speranza has volunteered with the Centre for Migrant Worker Rights Nova Scotia and the Canada-U.S. Border Rights Clinic. She is articling at Ontario’s Office of the Public Guardian and Trustee and will also clerk at the Federal Court.
Cindy Blackstock (LL.D ‘17), an Osgoode alum and member of the Gitxsan First Nation, received the RSC Prize for Indigenous Engagement honouring exceptional scholarship, advancement of Indigenous knowledge and commitment to reconciliation.
With more than 30 years of experience in child welfare, Blackstock is the executive director of the First Nations Child and Family Caring Society and a professor at McGill University’s School of Social Work. Her work has shaped national conversations on Indigenous children’s rights and reconciliation.
Former faculty member Alison Li, who previously served York as an assistant professor of science and technology studies from 1994-98, has earned the Jason A. Hannah Medal for her impact on the history of medicine.
A historian specializing in science and medicine, Li explores how biomedical research intersects with culture. Her latest book, Wondrous Transformations, profiles Harry Benjamin, a pioneer in transgender health care. The book is acclaimed for its depth, clarity and impact on public understanding.
“Through their multifaceted contributions, the winners have demonstrated the value of their research for a world that, thanks to them, will be henceforth better prepared to face emerging challenges," says Alain-G. Gagnon, president of the RSC.
The Royal Society of Canada recognized 17 distinguished Canadians this year for their contributions to the humanities, social sciences, life sciences and science.